HOW TO SELL MERCH
posted in: Music News
Let’s be honest, you won’t retire early based on what you make at the door of most shows. That’s why it’s important to supplement your ticket sales with a lucrative merchandise line. Invest your money and effort wisely and you’ll be able to make it back, and then some.
Some things to keep in mind when putting together your merch line:
¢ Trade where you can. If you’ve got a friend who’s an amazing graphic artist, offer him or her a free t-shirt/CD/ticket for a poster or clothing design.
¢ Quality is essential. It’s not always wise to go for a poly-blend t-shirt just because it’s the cheapest. Nor is it OK for you to create your own t-shirt design in PaintShop to save money. Your merchandise should look high quality, or else nobody’s going to buy it.
¢ Research before you invest your money. Get price quotes from multiple vendors before making your decision. If you’ve done your homework, you may be able to negotiate a sweet deal.
¢ Price your merchandise realistically. If you’re not international superstars, your t-shirts should cost $20 or less. Likewise, CDs should be priced around $15 or less. Always go as low as you can without sacrificing your profit.
¢ Get creative. T-shirts and CDs are reliable sellers, but how about something a little more unique? Maybe a USB bracelet with your band logo uploaded with all your MP3s, or a cool cell phone jacket. Have an amazing show flyer? Print some up to poster size, sign them and sell them at your merch booth as autographed lithographs.
¢ Always try to cross-sell. Come up with some package ideas: sell a t-shirt and CD for $20, offer a CD and t-shirt along with a free poster, etc. The more you make it sound like a deal, the more likely your fans will dig out some extra bills.
¢ Have a responsible, extroverted charmer at your merch booth. No sulky girlfriends, no stoner buddies, no zoning out on iPhones. You need someone who is going to engage buyers and charm the money right out of their wallets. Someone who knows some interesting details about the merchandise (The CD cover was designed by the same guy who did all the art for Lollapalooza last year, or This t-shirt is organic, so you can wear it with a clear conscience.) If your merch guy or gal can connect to fans, your sales will only go up.
¢ Look into online merch stores. Companies like Nimbit and Snocap have widgets you can post to your profile to sell your merchandise online. Keep in mind, the more shopping options you can offer, the better.
